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I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. t\ 

■ ■ _ ___ _ 

SB (OS I 



# — # 

I UNITED STATES OP AMERICA, j 







THE INTELLECTUAL AND MORAL RESOURCES OF HORTICULTURE, 



ANNIVERSARY DISCOURSE, 

PRONOUNCED BEFORE 

THE NEW-YORK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 

AT THE 
ANNUAL CELEBRATION. 

august 26, 1828. 



BY JOHN FREDERICK SCHROEDER, A. M. 

AS ASSISTANT MINISTER OF TRINITY CHURCH, IN THE CITY OF NEW" YORK ', 
A MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY. 



Salve, magna pai'ens frugum, Saturnia tellus, 
Magna virum : tibi res antique laudis et artis 
Ingredior, sanctos ausus recludere fontes. 

yirg. geoe. ii. 175 1 . 




X 



aN~EW-YORK : 
PUBLISHED AT THE REQUEST OF THE SOCIETY. 

1828. 



cc 






o 






OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY. 



DAVID HOSACK, LL.D. President. 

JOHN R. MURRAY, Esq. ) 

JACOB LORILLARD, Esq. > Vice-Presidents. 

WILLIAM NEILSON, Esq ) 

JOHN GROSHON, Treasurer. 

ABRAHAM HALSEY, Cor. Sec'y & Librarian. 

WILLIAM R. COOKE, Recording Sec'ry. 



N. H. Carter, 
John I. Palmer, 
William Curr, 
Charles Henry Hall, 
Michael Floy, 
Israel Dean, 
Andrew Clark, 
Richard Hatfield, 
Alexander Smith, 
Francis Cooper, 
William Fairbairn, 



COUNCIL. 

Andrew Parmentier, 
Michael Burnham, 
Thomas Kinnersley, 
Nicholas Saltus, 
William Seaman, 
Thomas Hogg, 
George Newbold, 
William Neale, 
Charles Oakley, 
William Wilson, 
Oliver M. Lownds, 
William M. Ireland, 



G. W. Arnold, 
William Phelan, 
Gavin Yuill, 
Peter Hatrick, 
Samuel L. Mitchill, 
Peter Ay mar, 
Isaac Adriance, 
James M'Brair, 
Edward Probyn, 
William M. Price, 
George Nixon. 



Extract from the Minutes of an Extra Meeting of the " New-York Hort;- 
cultural Society," held on the 2d September, 1828. 

On Motion, it was unanimously Resolved, That the thanks of the Society 
be presented to the Rev. John Frederick Schroeder, for his elegant and 
classical Address, delivered before them in celebrating their tenth Anniver- 
sary, and that a Committee be appointed to request a copy of the same for 
publication. — Whereupon the following persons were appointed: 
William R. Cooee, 81 
William Wilson. 

WILLIAM R. COOKE, 

Recording Secretary . 



New-York, Sept. 3, 1828. 

Dear Sib, 

We have much pleasure in enclosing you a copy of a Resolution, 
passed unanimously, at a Special Meeting- of the " New-York Horticultural 
Society," held last evening. It would be extremely gratifying to us, and no 
doubt so to every member of the Society, if you will do us the favour to fur- 
nish a copy of the able and eloquent Discourse, for publication, which you 
delivered before them, in celebrating their tenth Annual Festival. 

In making this request, on behalf of the Society, we take the opportunity 

of tendering you our individual thanks for the high satisfaction which it 

afforded us. 

We are, Sir, most respectfully, 

Your Ob't Servants, 

Wm. R. COOKE, ) ' 

> Com. 
Wm. WILSON, $ 

To the Rev. John Frederick Schroeder. 



Neiv-York, Sept. 4, 182S. 
Gentlemen, 

Your Communication, enclosing an Extract from the Minutes 
of the " New-York Horticultural Society," is a flattering assurance, that 
my endeavour to fulfil the pleasing duty, which their partiality assigned to 
me, was well received. Our Franklin has somewhere observed, that while 
he looked on human nature, he was agitated by a conflict of sadness and 
disgust and pity ; but when his eye reposed in contemplation on the vegeta- 
ble kingdom, all that he beheld was " beauty, harmony and peace." My 
memory may be, perhaps, unfaithful to the words, but I am conscious that 
my heart is true to the emotion of the great philosopher. And amid the tur- 
moil of party politicks, and the perplexities of commerce, and all the thorny- 
mazes of our busy mart, if the accompanying Discourse may but scatter a 
tew flowers, to recreate with amiable, pure and hallowed sentiments, any- 
one in the vast crowd, I shall be abundantly rewarded. 

Accept, Gentlemen, my thanks for the kind manner of your Communi- 
cation, and believe me, 

With sincere esteem, 

Your Ob't Servant, 

J. F. SCHROEDER. 

Wm. R. Cooke, & Wm. Wilson, Esqrs. Com. 



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ANNIVERSARY DISCOURSE. 



GENTLEMEN OF THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 

Assembled at this interesting season of the year, it is pecu- 
liarly proper for us to indulge those sentiments which our Associ- 
ation would inspire. The horn of plenty overflows with its 
abundant fruits ; the gardens and the fields are glad ; the groves 
and forests are resounding with a cheerful harmony. And while 
on every side the valleys and the hills rejoice, we may appro- 
priately celebrate our festival. 

We have a high sanction for the sympathies which we have 
assembled to indulge. When the Beneficent first chose a scene to 
occupy our intellectual and moral faculties, having "planted a 
garden eastward in Eden," he there " put the man whom he had 
formed." And when Earth, and " all which it inherit," shall 
have passed away, within the precincts of a future world the 
ransomed shall partake of joys, that are depicted under the allur- 
ing imagery of a garden. Refreshing bowers and luxuriant 
verdure, a pure crystal stream, sweet fragrance and delicious 
fruits were man's first blessedness, and are the graphick emblems 
of that final bliss which is reserved for him.* It was a Paradise 
that we have lost ; we are to regain a Paradise. 

* Compare Gen. ii, 8. 9, 10. and Rev. ii. 7. xxii. 1.2. 14. 



While we yield to the emotions which are suggested by our 
Anniversary, we may be enlivened therefore by this interesting 
thought: — We are engaged in the promotion of an object suited 
to man's highest earthly destinies. 

It is calculated to afford the intellect abundant themes, to 
which a patriarch's long life might with unceasing gladness be 
devoted; for it extends above, beneath, around us, rare beauties 
that are without limit, and varieties that are without end ; it is 
replete with the animating pleasures of discovery, and the calm 
delights of contemplation. It is calculated also to affect us by 
yet higher and more wholesome influences ; for it can act upon 
the heart with a benignity, that has power to allay the angry 
passions of the breast ; it can promote our peace on earth; and 
it can fill us with pure sentiments and holy breathings. 

Let us, then, exult to-day, in these attributes of our subject. 

I. We have said that it was calculated to engage the in- 
tellect. 

There is no human science that is more ample in its range, 
or more attractive in its multiplied allurements. It unfolds to 
the astonished view a living landscape — the wide world ; and as 
its votary is pointed to the Eastern and the Western Hemis- 
phere, it leads him, in full vision of the extended scenery, to 
look abroad. It then invites his contemplation to the bold draft 
that marks its outline* 

In all that may appear so wild and scattered, in these multi- 
tudes that teem throughout the vegetable kingdom, it discerns 
an exquisite gradation, 

" From the proud woods, whose heads the sky assail, 
To the low violet that loves the dale." 

And it disposes all, with a regard to that established order, which 
is proclaimed by their peculiar characteristicks. With a philo- 



9 

sophick eye, it dwells upon the parts of which, they are composed, 
and it again developes every where the rudiments of " heaven's 
first law." It views the external forms which plants exhibit, and 
sees them to be well-ordered both for nourishment and repro- 
duction. It names, it classifies, and it describes the gifts of 
Flora. Within the bounds of four and twenty classes, it brings 
no less a multitude than thirty thousand* species. It beholds 
their infernal organization. It explains the Physiology of 
plants.f It sees them pass through their successive states, from 
their incipient existence, to the period when they have at- 
tained maturity, and sink again into then native dust. Their 
numerous causes of disease are also carefully detected; the fa- 
vourite places of their habitation are distinctly marked ; and 
whatever is connected with the peculiar traits, which they as- 
sume, is made a theme of accurate and laborious investigation.!: 
The details resulting from this scrutiny abound in interesting 
facts. 

But it is the province of our subject to indulge a range yet 
wider. It investigates the geographical distribution § of the vege- 
table families, in which it every where discovers a variety the 
most pleasing, regulated by established general principles. It 
explores the surface of the globe, with a regard to its various 
qualities of soils and earths ; and here Geology and Chymistry, 
its handmaids, decorate it with new charms. It is concerned 



* See Decandolle and Sprengel's Philosophy of Plants, P. II. Sect. 122. 

t An excellent popular treatise on Vegetable Physiology is contained in 
the Library of Useful Knowledge, P. I. JNo. 14. Nov. 1827 

% On the several subjects suggested in this paragraph, the " Philosophy 
®f Plants" will abundantly supply useful information. 

§ The " Essai sur la Geog. des Plantes par Al. de Humboldt et A Bon- 
pland" is full of interest. 

B 



10 

also to improve and renovate the earth by fertilizing agents; 
and the vegetable, animal, and mineral kingdoms here conspire 
in its cause.* 

With an admirable ingenuity excited by its wants and its 
emergencies, from age to age it has contrived implements, ma- 
chines, and other articles of mechanism. In the history of these, 
is comprehended much to entertain and discipline the mind. 

With a parental care, it rears appropriate structures, for the 
nourishment, security and preservation of its household ; it erects 
larger edifices, both for use and ornament ; and it disposes all, 
with a regard to the just principles of taste. Its gardens thus 
are Landscapes, where the useful and agreeable, as lights and 
shades in the chiaro-oscuro, charm the eye. 

These lovely scenes are the abode of the aimable genius of 
Horticulture. She ranges the wide world with an indefatigable 
assiduity ; she gathers, and transfers, and naturalizes, and adapts 
to our use, whatever can regale the senses. And it is her envi- 
able occupation " to dress and keep" what she has thus gather- 
ed and arranged. A boundless theme is here presented ; it is 
the application of her Art. It is to sow and plant; to prune, 
to train, and to transplant ; to propagate by grafting, cutting, 
budding, layering and inarching. And connected with these 
operations are remarkable phenomena, that lead the mind to 
pleasing and to elevating thoughts ; for it may thus dwell on 
many of the most interesting pages in the book of Nature. 

Both as a Science and as an Art, if it be properly apprecia- 
ted, Horticulture is abundant in resources. It has occupied the 



* Loudon, in his Encyclopaedia of Gardening, Lond. 1S27, has collected 
much that is very curious and instructive, on the topicks contained in this and 
the two following paragraphs. 



11 

meditations of the learned, in all countries and at all periods of 
the world, as is demonstrated by its Literature. Within its gar- 
dens are inscribed the names of Hesiod and Homer, Aristotle 
and Theophrastus. Xenophon and ^Elian, Cato, Varro and 
Palladius, Martial and Horace wandered there. Beneath its 
shades, and in its cool retreats, a Virgil could repeat his Eclogues. 
Dioscorides, and Pliny too, and Columella lingered in its fra- 
grant walks. All these conspire to commend the fascinations 
both of Flora and Pomona. To their shrine each realm of Eu- 
rope has sent multitudes of votaries. From Britain the ingen- 
ious Bacon, and the philosophick Evelyn, and the poetick Cow- 
ley mingled in the throng ; and in their train were Milton, Ad- 
dison and Pope ; Thomson, Shenstone, Cowper, Mason ; Wal- 
pole, Darwin and the illustrious Sir Joseph Banks. And from 
the continent, amid a bright array of genius and learning, we 
may recognise a BufTon, aDelille, and a Saint- Pierre, in France ; 
in Germany, a Hirschfeld and a Herder ; in Swisserland, a 
Conrad von Gessner ; and in Sweden, the renowned von Linne. 
Such* famed scholars and historians, poets, statesmen and phi- 
losophers commend our subject by the various contributions, 
with which they have themselves adorned it. To dwell in con- 
templation on those spots, which by their presence they have 
consecrated, gratifies the generous mind. 

And other pleasing themes await the votary of Horticulture. 
With a retrospective view, he may recur in meditation to its- 
Ancient History, and be refreshed by its alluring visions, as 
they pass successively before him. 



* It may be invidious to select from the distinguished names of those who 
have adorned and illustrated our subject ; but it hat* been my aim, to present 
a view of various minds, all kindling at the contemplation oi the same source 
of light. 



12 

He now sees man's first place of bliss, 

" planted with the trees of God, 



Delectable, both to behold and taste." 

Now the gardens of the Hesperian nymphs, with every classical 
embellishment, attract his eye. He sees the Babylonian terraces, 
which, by the magnificence of art, and the luxuriance of nature, 
formed a wonder of the world. The pleasure-grounds of Solo- 
mon, described in Scripture ; and the gardens of Laertes and 
Alcino'.'s, which Homer has immortalized; the far-famed Sar- 
dian retreat, which Cyrus cultivated ; the Panchaean paradise 
and the Orontian grove, here rise in their enchantment. There 
appear, the celebrated vale of Tempe ; and the Academus and 
the Lyceum, each associating nature in her loveliness with phi- 
losophy in all its pride. The splendid works of ancient Roman 
sumptuousness are seen displayed by a Lucullus and a Horten- 
sius ; and to these villas that extend round the Imperial City, 
the orators, the poets and the philosophers of Rome invite the 
student who would sympathize in their emotions. Such is the 
Ancient History of Horticulture. 

And the first rosy light, that beamed after the dark ages, 
kindled a new radiance about our subject. It is thus encompas- 
sed by the attractions of its Modern History. The gardens of 
Holland and the Netherlands feel the influence of Science and 
the Arts revived. The atmosphere of Italy and France next 
breathe rich odours. They soon scent the isles of Britain : 
they pervade the continent. 

This department of our subject draws its copious details from 
the political and moral state of Europe, while the last four hund- 
red years have been inditing their momentous records. To the 
understanding of the intelligent it here offers a rich feast ; for 
its garlands have allured the eye and called forth the emulation 



13 

of the Medici in Italy, Louis the XIV of France, Peter the Great 
of Russia, and the most celebrated literary worthies, and bene- 
factors of the human race, in eveiy region of the world. Since 
the invention of the Microscope at the beginning of the seven- 
teenth century, the most wonderful discoveries, alluring multi- 
tudes to the pursuit of vegetable science, have given animation 
to their diligence, and recompensed their toils. 

The History of Horticulture thus puts forth its buds and thus 
expands its flowers, in Ancient and in Modern times. 

When the inquirer, who is curious to learn its present state, 
ascends that eminence from which its groves and walks may be 
discerned, his interest is yet further heightened by the most glad- 
dening discoveries. In Europe, a fresh impulse to investigation 
has been experienced ; and many a distinguished naturalist on 
the continent is emulous to obtain a wreath, like that which dec- 
orates the brow of him who lately towered aloft, 

Quantum lenta solent inter viberna cupressi* 

But now, alas ! the mournful branches of the funeral tree are 
waving over him ; yet, with the distinctive qualities of the same 
cypress, the memory of the immortal Sir James Edward Smitht 
shall be evergreen and everduring, sempcrvirens et sempiterna. 
Throughout the East, new stores are yet continually unfold- 



* Virgil, Eel. 1. 1.26. 

t This great naturalist, the President of the Linnean Society of London, 
breathed his last on the 17th of March in the present year. The tribute that 
I feebly utter is dictated by an ardent admiration of his rare endowments. 
The CcJPRESSUS sempervirens 1 have called also sempiterna, with a reference to 
its durability. Theopheastus says, it remains uncorrupted/bwr generations, 
T6TT-ag£« yiviis ; Pliny alleges four hundred years, quadringentis annis ; and 
Vitruvius ascribes to it eternity, reternam diuturnitatem. See Buxtorf, 
Geog. Sacr. col. 22. 



14 

ed to us ; and the vegetable treasures within South America ap- 
pear in real value to transcend its precious mines. 

And we rejoice also at beholding in our happy land, a scene 
at Avhich the Horticulturist has cause to glory. We have alrea- 
dy, as a people, enriched by numerous treatises and volumes, 
the Library that illustrates the natural products of the earth. 
Were I not surrounded at this moment,* by the learning, genius 
and talent, winch have been most conspicuous in accomplishing 
these toils, I would with pride repeat the names of many, and 
add to them, with pleasure, their appropriate epithets. 

And learning, genius and talent are emulated by indefati- 
gable industry and practised skill. The gardens that surround 
our city are abundant evidences of this truth. t 

Throughout the Union, enterprise is now directed to the cul- 
ture of the most valuable plants.^ 

Besides sectional objects, confined to particular regions of 
our country, there are others also claiming universal notice, 
which may be denominated national. 

Of these, the first, by its importance, is the cultivation of the 
vine. The interesting facts and valuable suggestions on the 
subject, which you received from our President in his Inaugural 
Discourse^ deserve particular regard. Four years have inter- 
vened, since the Anniversary when he pronounced it, and his 
sentiments have been corroborated by indisputable proofs. Ex- 



* A Catalogue of Books and Treatises by Members of the New- York Horti- 
cultural Society may be seen in the Appendix, A. 

t The Publick Gaidens in and near the city of New- York are mentioned in 
the Appendix, B. 

t On this subject see the Appendix, C. 

§ An Inaugural Discourse, delivered before the New- York Horticultural 
Society, Aug. 31, 1824. 



15 

periments have been successful, and the voices of our intelligent 
and enterprising Fanners and Horticulturists proclaim : ' The 
vine will flourish in our country, in various latitudes ; and it 
yields to us an agreeable and valuable product.'* Yes ! and 
native wines derived from it, and from the fruits of our orchards! 
and our gardens, may be hailed by the philanthropist as the har- 
bingers of a new era. The epocha may not be distant, when 
the draughts that are inebriating and destroying thousands of our 
population, shall be superseded by the use of milder and of sal- 
utary beverages. 

A second object, that may be called national, is the cultivation 
of the mulberry. Distinguished among trees, as that from which 
the serick insect draws its nourishment, the mulberry deserves in- 
deed particular attention. The American Institute of the City of 
New- York, anticipating the results to be derived from this in- 
valuable plant, have received the aid and counsel of the learned 
President of the Linnean Society, and have entered upon a 
large and liberal plan of operation. We congratulate them, and 
sincerely trust, their labours may be remunerated by a rich abun- 
dance of the golden fleece.f As an article of manufacture, 
silk has claimed the notice of our general government. Its 
House of Representatives have ordered, that the Secretary of 
the Treasury " u cause to be prepared" a Manual on the subject, 



* See the Appendix, C. 

t In the Appendix to Dr. Hosack's Inaugural Discourse, is an interesting 
letter on this subject, by Dr. S. L. Mitchill. 

X A Volume on the culture of silk, by Dr. Pascalis, is now ready for the 
press. It is accompanied with a Preliminary Dissertation by Professor An- 
thon of Columbia College, who argues that the product of the silk worm is t& 
be understood by the golden fleece of antiquity. See Appendix, D. 



1G 

and a well-digested Treatise* was accordingly transmitted to 
them by the Secretary, during the period of their last session, 
It is before the publick; and its very favourable views of the 
growth and manufacture of silk in the United States, present a 
field of speculation, that is peculiarly attractive. The same 
policy, which has enlightened, and will no doubt stimulate by 
due rewards, the enterprising and industrious in this particular 
department, may soon become extended, (veni dies !) to the 
whole range of Horticulture ! 

Had I not already dwelt so long upon the first of the par- 
ticulars, that were proposed for your attention, I might here en-, 
large upon the future prospects of our favoured land. I might 
collect before you the anticipations, which are suggested, by its 
unparalleled advancement in the facilities of transportation and 
the extent of commerce : — its canals and rail-roads ; the staple 
products of its soil ; and its natural adaptation for the residence 
of the most enlightened of all people on our globe. Exhibiting, 
in their true colours, the glories that may one day reach, like 
the celestial bow, from our Atlantick to our Pacifick confines, I 
might direct your contemplation to this graphick symbol of our 
great national destinies. And when all sounds of a disunion 
shall have passed away ; when the rude storm of political ani- 
mosity shall have been stilled ; and when the last echo of the 
thunderings that arrest us in the South shall cease to roll ; — as 
the prismatick arch, the token of an everlasting covenant of 



* It is entitled "Letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting 
the information required by a resolution of the House of Representatives, of 
May 11, 1826, in relation to the Growth and Manufacture of silk, adapted to 
the different parts of the Union". Octavo, Wash. Gales fe Seaton, 1828. pp. 220. 
Another Congressional Document on the subject is the " Letter from James 
Mease, transmitting a Treatise on the rearing of silk worms, by Mr. De 
Hazzi of Munich, fee." Wash. <3a\cs &, Seaton. 1828. pp. 108. 



17 

peace and union, shall shed its smiles upon our soil, I might 
depict the happiest of lands, that, hke an aroniatick " field 
which the Lord hath blessed," shall send up to heaven, from 
the wide extent of its vast territories, the mingled purfumes of 
its cornu copi«, sweet-scented fruits and fragrant flowers. 

As we mingle our sympathies at this anniversary commem- 
oration, we may with joy reflect upon the numerous, the varied, 
and the enlivening themes, by which Horticulture, with its 
stores of learning, and with its stimulus to industry, is calcula- 
ted to engage the intellect. 

II. And there is a moral halo that invests our subject. It 
can improve the heart. 

As we behold the wonders that abound throughout the vege- 
table kingdom, we are lost in the interminable manifestations of 
the Supreme. 

The organization that pervades it lifts up our hearts unto an 
Omniscient Creator. We cannot view the mechanism of a 
single plant without this sentiment. We see the several parts 
of which it is composed, arranged with a regard to its nutrition 
and its perpetuity, demonstrating a contrivance* the result of the 
profoundest wisdom. 

The succession that is discoverable in the annual circuit of 
our globe, directs our thoughts to Him, who is 

" the life and light 

" Of all this wond'rous world we see." 

Flowers, fruits, and culinary plants attain perfection, in a series 
that must command our gratitude. Not lavished with an indis- 



* Very beautiful illustrations of this truth are collected by Dr. Paley. in 
his Natural Theology, Chap. XX. Of Plants. 

C 



18 

criminate profusion, at some one favoured crisis of the year, they 
are dispensed with an all-wise frugality, and " yield their fruits 
every month." 

Their nature also is adapted to the condition of mankind; 
Where sultry beams are shed upon the torrid zone, umbrageous 
groves extend their branches. Where the Polar skies are cheered 
by a short summer's reign, its vegetation is distinguished by a 
rapid* progress to maturity. Where manual labour is discoura- 
ged by oppressive heat, and where the mind is destitute of moral 
enterprise, abundant aliment is yielded to the lowliest cultivator 
of the soil. But in the temperate regions of the earth, where, un- 
exposed to the depressing influence of an ungenial atmosphere, 
man walks abroad, delighting to exert his energies, here Nature 
calls forth talent, and awakens industry, by obstacles, which she 
allures them to surmount. As if anticipating the caprice of man j 
in countries, where the valley and the mountain each invite his 
residence, the products of the torrid zone are found within this 
vale; and on that towering summit is displayed to view a 
Northern] vegetation. 



* In Lapland and at Olekminsk in Siberia, barley ripens in seven or eight 
weeks. See Georgi as quoted by Malte-Brun, Syst. Geog. B. XX. Grain. 

t Les vallees des Andes sont ornees de bananiers et de palmiers ; plus 
haut se trouve l'arbre bienfaisam dontl'ecorce est de febrifuge le plus prompt 
et le plus salutaire. Dans cette region temperee des quinquinas, etplus haut 
vers celle des escallonia, s'elevent des chenes, des sapins, des berberis, des 
alnus, des rubus, et une foule de genres que nons ne croyons appartenir 
qu'aux pays du Nord. Aussi l'habitant des regions equinoxialesconnoit toutes 
les formes vegetables que la nature a disposees autour de lui : la terre de>el- 
oppe a ses yeux un spectacle aussi varie' que la voute azuree du ciel, qui ne 
lui cache aucune de ses constellations. See Humboldt's " Essai sur la 
Geog." near the close. 



19 

In the distribution of the odours that are breathed around 
us, Nature seems to have been regulated by the same economy. 
Where happiness is found only in the refinement of the senses ; 
where in luxurious repose, the Hindoo, with no zest for intel- 
lectual delights, seeks an innocent enjoyment in exhalations of 
sweet flowers ; there the loveliest of plants, that are unrivalled 
in their perfume, dispense aroma in rich offerings to the ambi- 
ent air. 

" Who has not heard of the vale of Cashmere, 
" With its roses the sweetest that earth ever gave?" 

Where man, upon another continent, is seen degraded by the 
indulgence of the most loathsome appetites, and we are told 
that, by a remarkable peculiarity,* which he possesses in com- 
mon only with the inferior animals, the Hottentot experiences an 
emotion of delight, at the carrion-smell of what regales the 
hyaena and the vulture; in that region of the earth, (as if the 
poor savage were to be indulged in his caprice,) while Oriental 
perfumes are withheld,! plants distinguished among us by their 
offensiveness, the Stapelias, in their variety, abound upon the 
soil, and fill the atmosphere with their putridity of savour. 

Wherever man resides are found nutritious berries, which 
are agreeable to all. The barberry, the cranberry, and the 
dwarf mulberry, regale the distant Laplander ; and beside these, 
the currant forms a wholesome food for the inhabitants of 
Greenland. Does the exhausted native of warm climates, 
parched with thirst, ask such plants as may be most refreshing 
to his enfeebled energies 1 Lo, Nature's bounty has supplied 
him with the melon, and the pine-apple, and all cooling fruits. 

* See Malte-Brun, where he treats of the Boschmen, B. LXX. 
t See Appendix K. 



20 

And does the mariner, from the long use of salt provision, need 
some prompt remedy for its scorbutick influence'? He may 
coast along the shores of the most distant regions in the North 
or South, and be furnished with the succory, the cresses, and the 
wild-sorrel, from Siberia to the remotest of the Paciiick isles. 
The Botanical Materia Medica is but an enlargement of this 
interesting thought. 

But on a theme so vast I dare not venture further. It is re- 
plete with interest and instruction, wheresoever we direct our 
eyes, from the most attenuated lichen, that is scarce discoverable 
on the rock, to the huge baobab, developing its mammoth trunk 
of eighty feet ; and from the lowliest moss that peeps above the 
surface of the soil, to the toweling palm-tree of the tropicks, 
almost two hundred feet in elevation.* As the march of know- 
ledge shall advance, and man be more minutely taught the 
mysteries of Nature, this wide field of Science, with an increased 
earnestness, shall be explored. What has been accomplished, 
in the heavens by the rare genius of Laplace, bold, brilliant, and 
aspiring, — by some future Linne may be accomplished in re- 
gard to earth; and while the blue vault, and while the verdant 
landscape, are more and more distinctly uttering : 

" The hand that made us is divine," 

the philosopher and Christian will continually be attracted by 
new themes of " wonder, love and praise." 

It has been my object, not to venture far within this vast 
domain, but merely to suggest what may awaken the resources 
of a learned and intelligent assembly. A single pearl proclaims 
the boundless treasure of the deep ; one gem is witness of ex- 

* Malte-Brun, Syst. Gcog. B. XX. Vegetation of the torrid zone. 



21 

haustless mines within the earth ; and a few fitful rays from the 
bright canopy above may reveal to the imagination innumera- 
ble worlds of glory. 

Under the influence of these thoughts, I would now say to 
the Members of the Society which I have the honour to address : 
While you participate the intellectual and moral stores of Hor- 
ticulture, you have a two-fold object, worthy of your tenderest 
solicitude. 

1, It is for you to collect the vegetable treasures of the Old 
Continents, and enrich with them the glories of our favoured 
land. 

The correspondence between Mr. Rush the Secretary of the 
Treasury and our President, now stands upon our records. It 
invites us, literally, to regale upon the bounties of the wide 
world; to look abroad, wherever the banner of the country has 
been planted, by a Foreign Minister, a Consul, or a Diploma- 
tick or Commercial Agent ; and to ask what we wdl of the pro- 
ductions of this ample realm. " Forest trees," I adopt the very 
words of Mi\ Rush, " forest trees, useful for timber; grain; 
" fruit trees ; vegetables for the table ; esculent roots ; in short, 
" plants of every description, whether used as food or for pur- 
" poses connected with any of the useful arts — all will fall 
** within the scope of the plan proposed."* 

Such cheering smiles the General Government bestows upon 
that field which it is our privilege to occupy. They thus emu- 
late the policy of other nations ; and in accordance with this 
policy, were proper publick grounds provided, either in each 



* The correspondence between Mr. Rush and Dr. Hosack has been pub- 
lished in the New- York Farmer and Horticultural Repository. Vol. I. Art. 34. 
The quoted passage is in Mr. Rush's Letter, dated May 15, 1827. 



22 

State, or in the four great sections of the Union, we doubt not, 
that our nation would rejoice at the benign results. We have a 
soil, which, like the heritage of ancient Israel, is " the glory of 
all lands." Within the limits of our four and twenty States 
may be discovered an appropriate residence, for almost every 
plant in all the four and twenty Classes of the Botanist. 

And to the Members of the New-York Horticultural Society 
are offered powerful inducements, to be the channel of our na- 
tion's intercourse with other countries, in regard to plants. In 
the Mythology of Ancient Rome it was ingeniously fabled,* that 
Pomona could not be induced to shed a smile on any of her 
suitors, until her heart was touched by the devout breathings of 
Vertumnus ; and in the tenderest of bonds were joined the god 
of merchandise and the divinity of gardens. The ingenious 
fable is instructive ; for our Art 



thrives most 



" Where Commerce has enriched the busy coast : 

" He catches all improvements in his flight, 

" Spreads foreign wonders in his country's sight.'' 

2. Another object, far more interesting, invites your care. It 
is the preservation and the culture of plants indigenous to our soil. 

They are confided to your guardianship. But look around 
you ; see them perishing in multitudes beneath the ploughshare 
and the axe. Certain species and varieties, which in old time 
adorned the verdant mantle of the earth, are to be found no 
longer ;t but their memorial, transmitted to us in floetz rocks, 
is a demonstration of their original existence. And shall it ever 
be recorded of any valuable varieties of our native plants, their 
sweetness has expired on" the desert airV Your active mea- 

* Ovid has given the story with all its embellishments. 
t See Decandolle and Sprengel, P. II. Sect. 143- 



23 

sures, I doubt not, will soon eloquently teach, that in the garden 
which you are preparing to establish, will be collected from our 
woodlands and our fields, a beauteous and bright floral galaxy. 

And here again I would refer to our President's Discourse, 
in which is clearly and minutely stated a well-ordered plan, 
both practical and scientifick, discovering to us large views, 
which it is noble to possess ; and could we but effect their con- 
summation, the reality would be magnificent. 

We might then call together, (and exult as we contemplated,) 
the lovely families of our rural offspring. We might find within 
this native circle, when possessed of suitable advantages for 
their improvement, the rarest and most estimable qualities, to 
please and benefit mankind. Among the changes that are exhi- 
bited upon the surface of the globe, none are more worthy of 
remark, than the transmutations which are effected in the vege- 
table tribes. Our Celery is but the parsley, or smallage, in an 
advanced state of cultivation. The Cauliflower and the Broc- 
coli have issued from the humblest plants. When in its natu- 
ral condition, the Asparagus can scarce be recognised as that, 
which when domesticated is a table luxury. And the potatoe, 
which is the sustenance of millions of our race, has been gene- 
rally cultivated but a hundred years, — and the most useful of 
all esculents, it is insignificant and uninviting in its natural 
state. And can we for a moment think, the progress of disco- 
very has been arrested 1 Are there no other contributions which 
the earth may yield, to the existence and enjoyments of our 
race 1 At this moment, the botanick missionaries of the Old 
Continent are engaged* in traversing our fruitful territories, that 

* M. Leroy writes to me in these words : Le gouvernement Francais 
entretient habituellement ici de jeunes Botanistes, qui parcourent les forets 
des Etas-Unis dans toutes les directions, pour enrichir leur pays de tout ce 
qu'ils pouveut decouvrir de nouveau et interessant. 



24 

they may answer the inquiry. Let us emulate their zeal ; and 
let us not value at a lower estimate than others, those rare gifts 
which the great God of nature hath put into our hands. Let 
us co-operate in the attainment of our interesting purpose; let 
us tie together our rods in the manner of the Roman fasces, and 
this union cannot fail to give us permanence and power. 

Replenished with indigenous attractions, our proposed gar- 
den will be esteemed abroad " a garden of delights." The hand 
of many a distinguished foreigner will soon beckon for an inter- 
change of precious plants ; and by the winds, that swell the sails 
of our commerce, will be wafted to us the best offerings of the 
remotest realms. We may even rival in celebrity the paradises 
at Copenhagen, Kew and Malmaison ; at Schonbrun and Ber- 
lin. Let us then appreciate our natural inheritance. It is our 
bald-eagle, that in full view of Niagara's sublimity, soars beyond 
the flight of his companions, 



sailing with supreme dominion, 



" Through the azure deep of air." 

The forest hears the minstrelsey of the whole feathered throng, 
in the delightful musick of a bird,* that in its native beauty and 
perfection is our own. And, as the youthful Otaheitan, who 
" sprang forward at the unexpected sight of a banana tree, in 
the Jardin des Plantes, and embraced it, while his eyes were 
bathed in tears ;"{ could we, within the confines of some distant 
land, but scent the gale that bore upon its wings the perfume of 
our Magnolias, as we imbibed the fragrant offering, with the 



* See Wilson's glowing description of the Mocking-bird, in his Ameri- 
can Ornithology. 

t Phillips' Syl. Flor, Vol. I. Introd. 



25 

same generous enthusiasm we also might exclaim: " Ah! tree 
of my country /" 

Let us appreciate all our natural inheritance ! Let us perse- 
vere to the full attainment of the objects which we contemplate. 
We knoio that we are able, and we will succeed; 

possunt quia posse videntur. 



Then by science and by industry we will contribute to the stores 
of human happiness ; and we will take the lead, where to follow 
in our footsteps will be honourable. 

Our ardent, able and efficient President, our learned and 
indefatigable Lecturer and Counsellor, and our classical and 
accomplished Corresponding Secretary* have, in turn, been cho- 
sen to animate you, when convened at the former celebrations of 
this festival. I was unmindful of myself, in my devotion to my 
subject, or I should not have consented to follow in their path. 
But, though I " attain not unto the first three," I account it a 
distinction for which I tender you acknowledgments, that I have 
been deemed worthy to be named and numbered with them in 
our cherished cause. 

It is a benevolent, it is a noble cause. It exerts a salutary, 
intellectual and moral influence. It has rich resources for the 
head ; and it has rich resources for the heart. While it instructs 
and edifies ; ennobles and exalts ; it awakens feelings of philan- 
thropy. Its motto is : " Good will to man." It inscribes 
above its portal, what was written at the entrance of that me- 
morable garden, into which the very Patriarch of Botany, Linne 
himself allured his followers: " Enter; foe a God is here." 



* The Society have listened, successively, to Dr. Hosuck, Br, Mitchill, 
and Mr. Carter. 

I) 



26 

Like that holy faith which we profess, it calls up sympathies, 
that would excite every one within the extensive sphere of its 
operation, to partake of its innumerable enjoyments and its 
manifold rewards. 

In my enthusiasm for my subject, I now experience this sen- 
timent which I describe. 

Could I address myself to all the ingenuous, and liberal, 
and enlightened among my friends, adopting the eidogium pro- 
nounced on the study of Polite Literature by the great orator of 
Rome, I would thus paraphrase it with a particular reference to 
our subject. " Were it not as abundant in resources as I have 
" alleged, and were it to be pursued merely for the pleasure 
•' which flows from it, you will acknowledge, I doubt not, that 
" it is a mental recreation, the most liberal and polite. For 
" other studies are not appropriate at all times, to all ages, and 
" in every place ; but this has nourishment for us while we are 
" young, and pleasing joys when we are old. In prosperity, it 
" is an ornament ; and in adversity, a refuge and a solace. It 
" delights us when at home, and it is no impediment abroad. 
" Whether we go forth to meditate at eventide, or are occupied 
" in journeying from place to place, or are wandering through 
" the country in our rural recreations, it is an agreeable com- 
" panion and a constant friend. If any are themselves unable 
" to pursue the subject, or want a relish for its charms, yet when 
" they see it blooming about others, they should not withhold 
" the tribute of their commendation."* 

Could I appeal to such as are entrusted with our Literary 
Institutions, I would say : Instil into the minds of all your youth- 
ful charge a love of nature. Teach them 

* Cicero, Oral- pro ArcHia Poeia, Sect. IV. 



27 

" To mark, in every raagick change of scene. 
The grand diversities of nature's laws, 
Yet find in all the ever present God !" 

You will thus give them an instructive friend, where they might 

otherwise be solitary. You will supply them with a volume, in 

which with rapture 

" they may read, and read, 

And read again, and still find something new, 
Something to please, and something to instruct." 

Could I accost the amiable portion of our race, whose attri- 
butes are symbolized by the delights of Flora, I might maintain 
the justice and propriety, with which a certain Oriental lan- 
guage* uses the same word to designate both flowers and the 
fair. Every estimable virtue that adorns the sex has its type in 
these exquisite manifestations of the Benignant. And they are 
adapted, not only for the personal embellishment, but for the 
intellectual and moral discipline of those, to whom I would com- 
mend the contemplation of their loveliness. Their province is 
not only to afford the senses a rich feast, to fill with their sweet 
perfumes the air we breathe, and to allure the eye by their con- 
formations, and by their tints of colour ; but by sympathies, the 
most refined, and pure, and amiable, to exalt the soul. 

" The spleen is seldom found where Flora reigns, 

The low'ring eye, the petulance, the frown, 

And sullen sadness, that o'ershade, distort, 

And mar the face of beautj r , when no cause 

For such immeasurable woe appears : 

These Flora banishes, and gives the fair 

Sweet smiles, and bloom less transient than her own.' : f 



* The Malay, the most agreeable throughout the East. Like French in 
Europe, it is a very general medium of thought; and its characteristicks 
entitle it to be distinguished, as the Italian of the Orientals. 

t I would here name particularly the &ylva Florifera by Henry Phillips, 
as deserving a place in every Lady's Library. No one can rise from the 
perusal of it without amiable feelings. 



Could I move the authorities of our city in the cause which 
I espouse, our publick squares and parks should become plea- 
sure-grounds, disposed and decorated, to regale our citizens. 
Within their walks should be no fumes of the intoxicating deity, 
but the pervading pure, and salutary influence of Nature's God. 

And in the suburbs of our Metropolis should be a Cemetery ; 
it should be " a garden and in" the midst of " it a sepulchre," 
where the ashes of the departed might repose in peace ; where 
children might be literally gathered to their fathers ; and where 
the vernal buds, the summer flowers, and the sere leaves of 
autumn might teach lessons of morality, and speak of the resur- 
rection and the life to come. 

Could my voice reach the Legislative Councils of the land, 
I would say : Appropriate to those who have fulfilled their trusts, 
and are withdrawing from the paths of publick life — in the in- 
teresting manner of the heroickf age, appropriate a temenos 
(rsftsvos) ; a portion of that soil, which in their hearts is conse.- 
crated as their country and their " sweet home." It will refresh 
their spirits, when they look around them, and reflect : this is 
the nation's gift. There is a peacefulness and a serenity in rural 
scenes, that have at all times had a charm for the philosopher 
and patriot. That hand, which held the destinies of ancient 
Rome, when it had guided and had saved the nation, held the 
plough upon the farm of Cincinnatus. In the hearts of all his 
countrymen is the memorial of him, who loved mount Vernon's 
calm retreat. The shades of Monticello have been forever con- 
secrated. And at this moment, the beloved Lafayette is seen 



t See Homer, Iliad. M. 310—314. Z 194. et al. and the notes of Heyne. 
Stephens, Thes. Grac. Art. ti/ufvot, quotes the appropriate passages to 
show : heroibus et principibus peculiariter Iraec Ti/uin tribuere videtur, a ple- 
beiorum agris sejuncta et separata quibusdam Ivto/aaii. 



29 

cultivating his La Grange; and our own Jay, retired to the san&- 
tuary of his villa, now calmly meditates upon his rest above. 

Were it given to me, on this festival, to distribute garlands, 
I would thus place them upon the brows of our youth ; I would 
supply them also as a decoration for the fair; I would fill our 
country and our city with their fragrance and their verdure ; 
and I would present them as a reward of publick services. 

Were there some happy realm, where might be realized 
the joys, which, inspiration teaches, were the first blessed- 
ness of man, I would delight to resort thither with the beloved 
circle of my friends, that in the tranquillity of the terrestrial 
Eden, we might live in rural happiness and die in peace. But, 
with the learned, we shall in vain seek the enviable spot. One 
tells us, it was in the confines of the ancient Armenia ; another 
points us for its bliss to the lovely valley of Cashmere ; and ano- 
ther teaches, that in Persia were its gladdening groves. But it 
is no longer upon earth. Like good men of old, it has been 
translated. Yet, I would indulge, in reference to it, the kindest 
sympathies toward my associates ; I would embody my best 
feelings in a devout ejaculation : that, when our studies and our 
cares and toils shall have ceased here below; when, like the 
grass that withereth, we shall have mingled with the dust; 
we may hereafter meet within the bowers, and be regaled with 
the enrapturing transports of that Eden in the skies. 



APPENDIX. 



A. 
BOOKS AND TREATISES, 

ON BOTANY, AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE, BY RESIDENT 
MEMBERS OF THE N. Y. HORT. SOC. 



David Hosack, m. d., f. r. s. l. Si e. President of the Society. 

Syllabus of a Course of Lectures, on Botany and Vegetable Physiology, 
delivered in Columbia College, in the year 1795. The 2d. edit, is en- 
larged, in the Author's Medical Essays, 2 vols. 1824. 

Hortus Elginensis, New-York, 8vo. 

Statement of Facts, relative to the Elgin Bot. Gard. New-York. 

American Medical and Philosophical Register; or Annals of Medicine, 
Nat. Hist., Agricult., and the Arts: — conducted by David Hosack, 
m. d., f. l. s., and John W. Francis, m. d. Prof, of Mat. Med. in the 
Univ. of New-York. 4 vols. 8vo. 

Inaugural Discourse, delivered before the New- York Horticultural Socie- 
ty, &.c. Aug. 31, 1824. New-York, 1824. 

To these may be added numerous contributions to Scienlifick Periodicals. 

Samuel L. Mitchill, m. l\, f. r. s. Ed. &.c. &c. 

Discourse, pronounced at New-York, before the Society for promoting 
Agriculture, Arts and Manufactures, 1792; printed in the Society's 
Transactions. 

Correspondence with Robert R. Livingston, on Light as a menstruum dis- 
solving vegetable matter, &c. Ibid. 1793. 

Remarks on Manures; intended a? a sequel to Judge Peters' inquiries con- 
cerning Plaster of Paris. Med Repos. vol. ii. p. 30 — 50, 1798. 

Discourse before the Society for the promotion of Arts, Sic. in Albany, 
1799; printed in a subsequent volume. 



32 

Samuel L. Mitchill, m. d., f. r. s. Ed. 

Further Observations on Manures; intended as a supplement to Kirwan's 
publication on those matters. Med. Repos. vol. u. p. 240—9, 1799. 

Additional Notices on Manures ; intended to follow the meditated Report 
of the British board of Agriculture on Manures. Ibid. p. 345 — 354, 
1799. 

Observations on the Canker-worm, which devours the leaves of Apple- 
trees. Agric. Transactions, 1801. Med. Repos. vol. iv. p. 59. 

Facts in relation to Vegetation. Med. Repos. vol. in. p. 420, 1801. 

Description of various vegetable phenomena. Ibid. vol. iv. p. 196, 1801. 

Essay on Salt (muriate of Soda), as favourable to the health and thrift 
of domestick animals, when taken with their food in moderate quanti- 
ties. Tilloch Philos. Mag. 1804. 

Letter to late Gov. Milledge of Georgia, assuring from culture, that the 
seeds of the Bhenne, brought there by the negro slaves, produced 
plants of Sesamum, whose grain affords an oil of a preferable quality 
to that of the Olive, for food, medicine, &,c. 1809. Georgia News- 
papers. 

Letter to the late Josiah Meigs, Surveyor General of the Land Office, oa 
introducing the Phoenix dactylofera, or Date-bearing Palm-tree, into 
the Southern section of the Fredonian States. 1810. Nat. Intell. and 
Southern Gazettes. 

Description of the North American fungus, called Tuckahoe or sclerot; 
Med. Repos. vol. xv. p. 335—7. 1812. 

Discourse before the Hist. Soc, on the Botany of the two Americas. 
1812. Hist. Soc. Trans. 

Abstract of Don Jose Ignacio Pombo's Spanish book, on the four Spe- 
cies of Cinchona, called Peruvian Bark trees; in Southwick's Plough- 
boy, for Aug. 5th, 1820. 

Correspondence with William Prince, on a singular hybrid fruit, produced 
between the Spanish chesnut, aDd the Fredonian chinquapin; South- 
wick's Ploughboy, Nov. 1, 1820. 

Address, pronounced before the New-York County Agric, Soc, at their 
fair in Haerlem, Oct. 1820, in Newspapers of the time. 

Two Speeches, on the Linnean celebration at Flushing, in May 1823 and 
1824, in Newspapers of the time. 

Botanical and Horticultural Notices, in Hauston's and Brooks' Minerva : 
Vol. II. P. i. pp. 185, 202, 217, 296, 313; P. n. 28, 72, 107, 136, 137, 
186, 344; vol III. 90, 184 k 281, he. 

Letter to Stephen Van Reiissalaer, Pres. of N. ¥. Board of Agriculture, 
on the Fly-weavel, or Tinea segetis, destructive to wheat-grain, in 
the sheaf and stack. Oct. 1825, in Newspapers of the day. 

Address, pronounced before the N. Y. Hort. Soc. at the Annual Celebra- 
tion, Aug. 29, 1826. 



33 

Samuel L. Mitchill, m. d., f. r. s. Ed. 

Correspondence with Prof- Hooker of Glasgow Univ. on the St. Lorenzo 

Potatoe, or Witheringia montana of Peru; with a coloured fig. Bot. 

Magaz. Sept. 1827. 
An extensive collection of MSS. prepared with great care, when he was 

Prof, of Botany and Mat. Med., and then used for the purpose of 

Lectures. 
To these may be added Occasional Contributions to Woodworth and Bell's 

Parthenon; to Messrs. Fleet and Halsey's N. F. Farmer; and to the 

Amer. Farmer of Mr. Skinner. 

N. H. Carter, a. m. Author of " Letters from Europe," and 
late Corresponding Secretary of the Society. 
Address, read before the N. Y. Hort. Soc, at the Anniversary Celebra- 
tion of the 28th of August, 1827. New-York, 1827. 

William Wilson, Nurseryman. 

Economy of the Kitchen-Garden, the Orchard, and the Vinery, with plain, 

practical directions for their management. Wew-York, 1828. 12mo. 

pp 206. 
The Author announces also, as forthcoming, a new work, to be entitled 

The New-York Horticulturist, an Extract from which is published in 

N. Y. Farmer and Hort. Reposit. Art. 120. vol. i. 

Grant Thorburn, Seedsman and Florist. 

The Gentleman and Gardener's Kalendar, containing ample directions 
for the cultivation of the Kitchen and Flower Garden, Green House, 
Nursery, Orchard, &c. for the U. S. of Amer. New-York, 1821. 3d. 
edit. 12mo. pp. 132. 
Beside the above mentioned Books and Treatises, there are numerous con- 
tributions to The New-York Farmer and other Periodicals, by the Resi- 
dent Members of the Society. 



B. 



LIST OP PUBLICK GARDENS, GARDENERS, SEEDSMEN AND FLORISTS, 
IN AND NEAR THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 



Armstrong ... at Kip's Bay, near New-York, has a Nursery and 
Green-house. 

Bloodgood &• Co. James, Nurserymen, 206 Front St. New- York. At Flush- 
ing, L.I. 11 miles from New-York, they have a Nursery, &c. occupying 
10 acres. 

E 



34 

Boyce John, 3d Avenue, corner of 11th St. N. Y. cultivates a Vegetable 

Garden. 
Bridgeman Thomas, Bowery Hill, has recently established a Seed-Store, 

and Garden. 
Dyckman . . . , has a very large Market Garden and Orchard, co- 
vering 50 acres. 

Floy Michael, Nurseryman, is the proprietor of an extensive Green-house, 
and a Seed Store, at the corner of Broadway and 12th St. His Horti- 
cultural Nursery at Haerlem includes 10 acres. 

Hogg Thomas, Nurseryman, near the House of Refuge, occupies 3 acres 
with his Green house and Nursery, and displays a very rare collection 
of exotick plants. A notice of his premises is contained in the N. Y. 
Farmer, Vol. i. Art 76. 

Holden William, at Bloomingdale, has a large Vegetable Garden of 8 acres. 

Hubbakd . . . , 3d. near Avenue C, is the proprietor of a Vegeta- 
ble Garden. 

Kenney Daniel, Gardener and Florist, corner of Carmine and Bedford St., 
beside a Green-house, has also a Seed Store. 

Mills k. Co. at Flushing, L. I., 11 miles from New- York, occupy«8 acres 
with a valuable nursery. 

Parmentilr Andrew, at Brooklyn, L. I., 2 miles from N. Y., has a Horti- 
cultural Botanick Garden, containing 24 acres ; and his collection of rare 
and valuable plants, his numerous vines, his ornamental and fruit trees, 
and the great taste and neatness with which all are disposed, render his 
Garden one of the most attractive resorts near our city. See Amer. 
Farm. Vol. x. No. 24. 

Phelah William, an extensive cultivator of Green-house plants, resides in 
the 2d. Avenue near 5th. St. 

Prince William, is the proprietor of the large Lirinean Botanick Ganlen at 
Flushing, L I., 11 miles from New-York. His premises include 41 
acres; his garden is very rich in rare and valuable plants ; his green- 
house contains 20,000 exoticks ; and in his assortment of vines are com- 
prehended more than 400 varieties. See Amer. Farm. Vol. x. No. 22. 

Simpson William, cultivates twenty acres as a Market Garden, and has a 
Greenhouse in the 7th. Avenue near loth. St. 

Smith Alexander k Co., 372 Broadway, N. Y., have a large Seed Store. 
At Newark, New Jersey, 7 miles from New-York, they have a Garden 
and Nursery, occupying 10 acres. 

Still George, cultivates about 5 acres as a Vegetable Garden, at Bloom- 
ingdale. 

Thorburn k Son, 67 Liberty St. N. Y., have the largest Seed Store in 
America. The premises which they occupy are 84 ft. by 100 ft. ; their 
building is 60 ft. by 40 ft., with an elegant green-house 84 ft. by 16 ft., 
extending the whole front; and the Store is replenished with bulbous 
roots, and the seeds of indigenous and exotick plants, with utensils and 



35 

implements of Husbandry, with valuable Books on Agriculture and Hor- 
ticulture ; and beautiful engravings and paintings of flowers and rural 
scenery decorate the walls. 
Wilson William, Nurseryman, beside a large Green-honse, at the corner of 
4th and Macdougal St., has an extensive Nursery at Murray Hill, cover- 
ing about 10 acres. 



c. 

REMARKS 

ON CERTAIN EXOTICK AND INDIGENOUS PLANTS. 



My affectionate preceptor, M. Leroy, an intimate friend of the celebrated 
Michacx, has communicated in his letters to me, the following facts and slate- 
ments : 

1. Of exotick plants introduced into the United States. 

" J'avais introduit dans les Etas-Unis la celebre Rhubarbe de Tartarie, 
celle a feuilles entieres, et celle dite Shawm palmatum ; M. Delatullaye au 
quel je les avais procurees les a conservees plusieures annees ; elles prospe- 
raient et fructifiaient a Baltimore, comme dans leur pays natale." * * * * 
" J'avait apporte dans mon dernier voyage d'Europe nombre d'especes de 
graminees ; dans ma collection etaient vingt sis especes et varietes de 
semences cerSales, vingt quatre des plus belles especes de vignes, de la cele- 
bre collection du Luxembourg a Paris ; des avelines, les pistaches de Verdua, 
des oliviers, le fusain, le genet epineux. excellent pour faire des haies, des 
pruniers de la meilleure qualite, des chateignes dites marrons de Lyon, e'est 
a dire de la plus belle espece connu ; deux especes de noyers a tres gros fruit, 
4 especes d' aseroliers, 3 de nefliers, 2 especes de frenes, le quercus suber, 
dont l'ecorce fournit le liege, et enfin le quercus robur, le meillem' cbene 
d'Europe pour la duree et pour la construction. Tout cela venait a mer- 
veille a Baltimore. Les vignes prosperaient au gre de mes desirs." * * * 
" II y a deux ans qvie je fis venir de France, pour un jardinier pepinieriste 
actif et intelligent, une caisse contenant 24 especes des meilleures pommes 
de Normandie, a. peu pres le meme nombre de poires et toutes les varietes de 
fruits qui se trouvent eu France. Cette caisse, qui n'exc : dait pas 22 pouces 
en tous sens, contenait plus de mille sujets, parceque je m' etais contente de 
ne demander que des greffes de tous les arbres que je savais pouvoir etre 
entes sur ceux de ce pays, et comme elles avaieut ete prises a l'extremite 
des branches de l'annee precedente, aucune n : excedait sis ou sept pouces de 



36 

longueur, et ne depassait pas la grosseur d'une plume a ecrire. Elles 
etaieni par rangs, prcssees entre des couches de mousse fraiche, d'un doigt 
! d'epaisseur, et si bien empaquetees que le tout est arrive ici au mois de Mars 
dans le meilleurs etat. Tout a parfaitement rcussi, et j'ai le plaisir de voir 
que les jeunes arbres qui les portent commencent a se repandre dans le 
pays." 

2. Of our indigenous plants introduced into Europe. 

" Vous m'avez observe, que, ' le locust (Robinia), nombre d' especes du 
Magnolia, he. he depuis longlems embellissaient r Europe;' cela est vrai. 
Le locust a ete introduit en France, du tems meme de Henry IV, dit le 
grand, e'est a dire, vers la fin du seizieme siecle. J'ai vu le populus tulipoz- 
feraflava au milieu du jardin botanique de Caen, que j'ai juge asa grosseur 
ne pas avoir moins de soixante ans ; j'ai vu sa variete alba a Bordeaux 
dans le jardin de M. Chaudfour, pres de 1' ancien jardin des Chartreux, 
aujourd'hui converti en Cemetiere, qui pouvait avoir quarante ans. Au Jar- 
din des Plantes a Paris il y en a une allee entiere, mais le terrein y est trop 
sablonneux, et trop su ; cet arbre demande un sol frais. J'en ai vu d'aut res 
aux environs de Paris dans une position plus favorable, qui promettaient 
un grand developpement. Le locust Robinia a gagne en France. Mr. 
Descemet, celebre botaniste a St. Denis pres de Paris, est parvenu a. en 
obtenir une espece ou variete absolument inermis, et dans de doubles propor- 
tions relativement au feuillage et a la flsur; l'arbre est loin d'etre arriv6 au 
terme de sa crue; on regarde cette acquisition comme precieuse sous la rap- 
port du fourrage." * * * * " Tous les arbres d'agrement jusqu'a pre- 
sent decouverts aux Etas-Unis ont 6te introduit en France." 

" M. Michaux, auteur du Sylva Americana, et un de mes intimes amis, 
convaincu de 1' inutilite des plantations particulieres pour la conservation des 
arbres forestiers, est parvenu a persuader le gouvernement de la necessity 
de faire des semis en grands, et de les placer de suite dans les lieux que la 
nature leur a designe; e'est au milieu des forets de l'Etat que se font en plan- 
tations, qu'on a soin de proteger contre les entreprises des lupins ct des betes 
fauves, pendant les premieres annees, par des enclos Jegers, mais suffisants 
pour l'objet propose. On est parvenu par ce moyen a introduire trente 
mille chenes de semis sortant des Etas-unis. C'est moi qui ai fait cet envoy, 
et M. Michaux m'en a mande le sacre, en me disant qu'on avait donne mon 
nom a la section de la forets qui les contenait, sur le plan qu'on en avait 
tire." * * * * " Le Maryland seul m'a fourni 16 especes ou varietes du 
quercus, 8 du juglans, 5 de Yacer, 3 du fraxinus, 2 Axuliquidambor dit sweet 
gum, 2 du nyssa, dit gum tree, 3 de l'ulmus, 2 du fagus, he. * * * Mr. 
Michaux m' observe que la crue des chenes du Nord de 1' Amerique est bien 
plus acc61eree que celle des chimes indigenes d'Europe." 

Pour la vie, Votre bien afl'ectionnee ami; vale. 

Victor Leroy. 



37 

Ample details, in regard to the culture of indigenous and exotick plants 
iu the United States, may be found in several excellent repositories of Agri- 
cultural and Horticultural knowledge ; particularly, the American Farmer, 
which is very ably conducted by Mr. Skinner at Baltimore ; the New-Eng- 
land Farmer and Horticultural Journal, which Mr. Fessenden edits with 
great zeal and talent at Boston ; and the New-York Farmer and Horti- 
cultural Repository, on the management of which, it may be stated with 
pleasure, Mr. Lyman has recently resolved to enter, in connection with Mr. 
Halsey, the Corresponding Secretary of the New-York Hort. Soc. 



D. 

LETTERS 

FROM DR. PASCALIS, ON THE CULTURE OF SILK. 

EXTRACTS. 

" Rev. J. F. Schroeder, 
" Dear Sir, 

" The culture of the Mulberry tree is to be entrusted to 
the Horticulturists of our City and State; and as an inducement to serve the 
publick, in promoting its extension, and the most genuine crops, it is interest- 
ing to consider its beneficial results." 

" One ounce of Mulberry seed, well raised, gives 16,000 trees. Ten 
trees, after three years nursery, are sufficient to feed one ounce of eggs, that 
is 40,000 cocoons. These cocoons, at sixteen to the ounce, will afford 136 
pounds and a fraction of raw silk, which, at 1\ oz. of reeled silk per pound, 
make a little more than 19 lbs. of perfect silk, (from ten trees and one ounce 

of eggs,) which are worth 114 dollars in that genuine state." 

" The possible income from one ounce of seed being 16,000 trees, is or may be 
equal to $182,400; and that from one pound of the same seed $2,918,400." 
" Very respectfully, dear Sir, 
Your ob't serv't, 

Felix Pascalis." 



Silk may be raised with advantage, throughout the Union. The culture 
of it, in this country, commenced at a very remote period. As early as the 
year 1623, it commanded attention in Virginia; in 1656, it was encouraged 
by the government with rewards, and the planting of the mulberry was at 
the same time required by penalties. 



as 

Upon the settlement of Georgia in 1732, lands were granted, on condi- 
tion of the culture of this tree. In 1735, eight pounds of raw silk, sent to 
England from Savannah, were made into a piece and presented to the Queen. 
The exports, from <750 to 1754 inclusive, were $8,880; in 1759 they amount- 
ed to 10,001bs. of raw silk, which sold at two or three shillings higher than 
that of any other country ; and in 1766, there were exported more than 
twenty thousand pounds weight of cocoons ! 

Mrs. Pinckney of South Cakolina, in the year 1755, raised and spun, 
in the vicinity of Charleston, as much silk as was required for three dresses; 
one of which was presented to the Princess Dowager of Wales ; another to 
Lord Chesterfield ; and the third, in 1809, was at Charleston, in the posses- 
sion of Mrs. Horry. 

At the recommendation of Dr. Franklin, considerable attention was 
directed to the culture of silk in Pennsylvania, soon after the year 1770. 

At Cayuga in New- York, during the late war with England. Mr Chid- 
sey sold sewing silk, of domestick manufacture, to the annual amount of 



In Windham County, Connecticut, the culture of the white mulberry 
was introduced in 1760; and it was greatly encouraged at New-Haven, by 
Dr. Ezra Styles. In 1789, two hundred pounds of raw silk were made at 
Mansfield, where, at the present time, three-fourths of all its families are 
occupied in raising silk. Fear after year they are producing, severally, 5, 
10, 20, or 50 lbs. ; the success attending some is, occasionally, 100 lbs. ; and 
during the last season (1827). it was estimated, that the aggregate amount 
in this town only, was 2,430 lbs ! 

The " Letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, &c. in relation to the 
growth and manufacture of silk," from which these facts have been derived, 
abounds with the most animating encouragements to domestick industry. 
A great influence must be exerted on our trade in silk, during the lapse of 
the next five and twenty years ; and with confidence it may be anticipated, 
that before they have revolved, the value of imjiorted silks will not, as in the 
year 1825, exceed ten millions ! [See Report of Committee on Agricult. in 
House of Repres. May 2, 1826.] Attention has been awakened; enterprise 
is active ; and while I write, the precious insect is at its toil. 

Vellera nunc folds depectunt tenuia Seres. 



39 

E. 

REMARKS 
ON CERTAIN PLANTS IN THE SOUTH OF AFRICA, AND ON A PECULIA- 
RITY OF THE INHABITANTS OF THAT REGION. 



So large a number of plants, at the Cape of Good Hope, and in the ad- 
joining region, are destitute of fragrance that it has been said: " In the 
South of Africa flowers have no smell." [See Colebrooke's State of the Cape, 
p. 158. sec. Malte-Brun, Vol IV. B. lxx.] And while Oriental perfumes are 
withheld, the Stapelias abound, and yield a savour that is agreeable to the 
degraded Hottentot. Writing to me on this subject, my father says : " In 
Donn's Catalogue are given 55 Stapelias, all of which have been brought 
from the Cape of Good Hope only ; and as far as I am acquainted with this 
plant and its varieties, of which I have had several, they are all very disa- 
greeable in smell. I now have in my green-house a Stapelia hirsuta, as 
Dr. Thornton calls it in his Temple of Flora, and it has often been blown by 
the flies which it attracts." 



In a Communication, with which I have" favoured by Dr. S. L. Mitchill, 
on the alleged peculiarity of the Boschmen, the Dr. writes : " Idiosyncrasies 
in regard to the sense of smell are numerous. There are individuals of the 
human family who have not the power of distinguishing odours of any kind. 
I have known several such persons ; and they are in a situation, analogous 
to those who are born deaf and blind. It has been supposed that brute 
animals have not the ability to distinguish aromatick emanations ; but the 
proof of this conjecture is merely negative. It is told of Louis XIV. of 
France, that perfumes were generally unpleasant to him; and certain Asia- 
ticks, in ancient times, employed assa foetida as a condiment, calling the 
very substance which we have nicknamed Stercus diaboli, the food of the 
gods." With his characteristick learning, the Dr. then cites the Tartars, 
and the St. Kilda Islanders, as distinguished by the same peculiarity, which 
is attributed to the natives of South Africa. 



Whatever may be the faet, in reference to the particular example here 
illustrated, the general truth that has been alleged is certainly demonstra- 
ble : — The vegetable families subserve the wants of man, as he exists, in dif- 
ferent legions of the earth. 



40 

The cistern trunk of the vast boa tree, when ouce filled with water in the 
Spring months of rain, supplies refreshment in the midst of Africa's hot 
sands, during the intense heat of a protracted summer. The abundant sap 
of the Lianne, on the parched rocks of the Antilles, is a salubrious and 
limpid vegetable fountain. The raining-tree of the Canaries, and the bassa 
butyracea of Indostan; the Lapland hair-moss, the New Zealand flax plant, 
the Kamtchatka lily, and the cocoa-nut of the Nicobar Islands; the bread- 
fruit of the South Seas, and the date-palm of the desert of Zahara, afford a 
few only of the innumerable testimonies, that proclaim with a sublime elo- 
quence : 

" There's mercy in every place." 

" Lord ! how manifold are thy works ! in wisdom hast thou made 
them all." 



E. CONRAD, PRINTER. 



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